rwp - James:3:16-18

rwp@James:3:16 @{Confusion} (\akatastasia\). Late word (from \akatastatos\), strkjv@1:8; strkjv@3:8|), a state of disorder (1Corinthians:14:33|). {Vile} (\phaulon\). Kin to German _faul_, first slight, ordinary, then bad. The steps are cheap, paltry, evil. Opposed to \agatha\ (good) in strkjv@John:5:39|.

rwp@James:3:17 @{First pure} (\prton men hagn\). First in rank and time. \Hagnos\ is from the same root as \hagios\ (holy), old adjective, pure from fault, not half-good and half-bad, like that above. {Then peaceable} (\epeita eirnik\). Old adjective from \eirn\ (peace), loving peace here, bringing peace in strkjv@Hebrews:12:11| (only N.T. examples). But clearly great as peace is, purity (righteousness) comes before peace and peace at any price is not worth the having. Hence Jesus spurned the devil's peace of surrender. {Gentle} (\epieiks\). Old adjective (from \eikos\, reasonable, fair), equitable (Phillipians:4:5; strkjv@1Peter:2:18|). No English word renders it clearly. {Easy to be entreated} (\eupeiths\). Old adjective (\eu, peithomai\), compliant, approachable. Only here in N.T. {Mercy} (\eleous\). Practical help (2:13,16|). {Good fruits} (\karpn agathn\). \Kaloi karpoi\ in strkjv@Matthew:7:17f|. Good deeds the fruit of righteousness (Phillipians:1:11|). {Without variance} (\adiakritos\). Late verbal adjective (from alpha privative and \diakrin\, to distinguish). "Unhesitating," not doubting (\diakrinomenos\) like the man in strkjv@1:6|. Here only in N.T. This wisdom does not put a premium on doubt. {Without hypocrisy} (\anupokritos\). Late and rare verbal adjective (alpha privative and \hupokrin\). Not hypocritical, sincere, unfeigned (Romans:12:9|).

rwp@James:3:18 @{Is sown in peace} (\en eirni speiretai\). Present passive indicative of \speir\, to sow. The seed which bears the fruit is sown, but James catches up the metaphor of \karpos\ (fruit) from verse 17|. Only in peace is the fruit of righteousness found. {For them that make peace} (\tois poiousin eirnn\). Dative case of the articular participle of \poie\. See strkjv@Ephesians:2:15| for this phrase (doing peace), and strkjv@Colossians:1:20| for \eirnopoie\, of Christ, and strkjv@Matthew:5:9| for \eirnopoioi\ (peacemakers). Only those who act peaceably are entitled to peace.